Davis: Rallies In Run-Up To Easter Weekend

“Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.” –Dr. Seuss

At right: Our local Tax Day Rally was a great success. Thank you to all those who came to stand for personal freedoms and liberties.

It was a very busy week at the capitol. We continue to make great progress on common sense reforms in our state. Here a few key issues addressed:

HJR5 - Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish

The past several years have not been friendly to gamesman in our state. With federal talk about gun control, the price of guns and ammunition continue to sky-rocket in response. Some groups would like to end all sport hunting in the country. Because of Missouri’s initiative petition process these groups can come into our state, drop millions of dollars, and put a measure on the ballot to outlaw certain kinds of hunting or fishing. The constitutional amendment we passed makes it harder for outside groups to tell us how we should appreciate our land, property, and heritage. Conservation and appreciation of the outdoors have been a hallmark in Missouri’s history with huge numbers of hunting and fishing advocates and we want to keep it that way.

HB 708 – American Law in American Courts

Unless you’re a lawyer, going to court is often bad. You may be getting sued, or suing someone or something terrible has happened and you face being fined or imprisoned. It’s a confusing and stressful time – under American laws. Now imagine you go to court, and instead of using American law, the judge decides that he’s going to try your case under New Zealand law, or Brazilian law, or even a religious law. If we didn’t make some changes, this might become the norm instead of an exception. That’s why we passed HB 708 – a measure to make sure that Missouri courts use Missouri and American law when they decide cases. They can still look at foreign laws that are the same as ours, but they can’t use a different remedy or outcome than would happen under our law.

On Wednesday, a rally was held on the south lawn of the Capitol to show support for SB113 and urge Governor Nixon to sign it into law. By most estimates over one thousand people showed up to lend their support. Several agriculture commodity groups went together and provided hot dogs, chips, and drinks for those attending. A counter rally organized by the Humane Society of the United States only drew a few dozen attendees.

For the new compromise to work, Governor Nixon needs to sign SB113 now so we can turn our attention to the new language. The sooner we know his intentions of signing or not, the quicker we can work on getting the new language through the legislature.

HCS HB 828, sponsored by Rep. Barney Fisher (R-125), was third read and passed. This bill revises the definition of "construction" as it relates to prevailing wages on public works projects and abrogates the ruling in Utility Service Co., Inc. v. Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. “Construction,” under the new definition, includes; new construction, enlargement, and major alterations. Paying prevailing wage for simple repair and repaint jobs drains needed resources and can result in needed repair and repaint jobs being put off for economic reasons.

HB 656, sponsored by Rep. Ellen Brandom (R-160), was third read and passed. Payday loans companies remain an important avenue for those unable to otherwise secure loans and make ends meet. This bill provides greater protections for both the consumer and the payday loan industry.






At right: A great day at the capitol with the Southwest Pachyderms.

As this week comes to an end, I wish everyone a wonderful Easter weekend. Life on this Earth is so short and then comes eternity. Remember why we celebrate Easter, it is because He is risen that we will be able to rise again, also. My God bless you all.